Nurses association unveils 2025 healthcare initiatives

The Barbados Nurses Association (BNA) has announced a slate of initiatives for 2025 aimed at addressing longstanding challenges within the profession and advancing healthcare in Barbados.

In her New Year’s message, BNA President Dr Fay Parris revealed plans for a nationwide nurse-led wellness programme, a mentorship initiative for junior nurses, and expanded professional development opportunities.

“BNA will continue to advocate for better working conditions, launch a BNA nurse-led nationwide wellness initiative, and establish a mentorship programme for junior nurses,” Parris said.

“Professional development through expanded training and education on industrial relations, law, and negotiations will empower nurses.”

The wellness programme, which will be spearheaded by nurses, aims to enhance community health, while the mentorship initiative seeks to provide structured support for younger professionals entering the field.

Parris further pledged that the BNA will tackle critical workforce issues, including advocacy for better resources, remuneration, and policy reforms.

The association, she revealed, is also focused on addressing unresolved challenges, including improving resources for nursing students, ensuring timely stipend payments, and regularising auxiliary nurses’ payments to comply with the Minimum Wage Bill.

Parris reflected on 2024, highlighting key achievements such as progress towards introducing advanced practice nurses, the resolution of longstanding investigations involving members, and the appointment of a nurse leader after a seven-year gap.

“Throughout the year, BNA worked diligently with the government of Barbados and various ministries to enhance healthcare policies and support nurse welfare,” she said. “Notable initiatives included commencing the process to establish advanced practice nurses in the workforce and improving the nurse-patient ratio through the government’s efforts to recruit nurses.”

Collaborations with organisations like the Barbados Coalition of Service Industries (BCSI), the National Organisation of Women (NOW), and the Heart and Stroke Foundation addressed critical health concerns, while work with the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) ensured nurses’ voices in policy discussions, including efforts to adjust the retirement age.

While celebrating these achievements, Parris acknowledged the existing frustrations of nurses, stating: “Members’ frustrations regarding resources, allowances, uniforms, re-enumeration, and administrative processes are acknowledged.”

“BNA is committed to addressing these issues and others, such as improving resources for the nursing programme at the Barbados Community College, ensuring timely payments of stipends for nursing students, implementing the fourth chance course and adjusting the Z scale upwards.”

She also revealed the association’s commitment to establishing policies for long leave for the necessary RN grades and regularising auxiliary nurses’ payments to maintain the minimum wage bill and uphold contractual legal principles.

With BNA elections just over two weeks away, Parris urged members to participate, noting the importance of strong representation to continue the fight for improved working conditions.

Expressing gratitude to the members and prospects of the association, Parris said: “As we embrace the new year with hope, determination, and a renewed sense of purpose, BNA thanks all nurses for their dedication and hard work.”